1. Saving Lives Skills for Life VER 4.0 061009 BRONZE MEDALLION PUA21304 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) SURF AWARENESS & SKILLS Chapter 2

2. VER 4.0 061009 Learning Outcomes Types and formation of waves Rip currents, inshore holes and drift currents Identify beach types and safe swimming locations Assess prevailing weather and beach conditions Perform: Leg and arm blocks Escape and release techniques Demonstrate surf skills: Negotiate the surf with tube and fins, bodysurfing Paddle a board 2

3. VER 4.0 061009 Formation of Waves The size of waves is determined by three factors: Intensity of the wind Length of time the wind blows Distance the wind blows “ Wave sets” Waves arrive at the beach in sets Normally there is a lull between sets Sets consistent within a given swell 3 Waves are formed by the wind blowing across the surface of the ocean Wave terminology

4. VER 4.0 061009 Wave Types PLUNGING WAVES OR “DUMPERS” SPILLING WAVES SURGING WAVES 4

5. VER 4.0 061009 Identifying Rip Currents. Recognition Discoloured brown water Foam extending beyond the break Waves breaking further out (both sides) Debris floating seaward A rippled appearance on the surface Lifesavers should educate the public about rips at every opportunity to help reduce the drowning rate 90% of all rescues are from rips 5

6. VER 4.0 061009 Types of Rip Currents PERMANENT Last for months/years. - headland, pier FIXED Last from hours to months - sand based hole or gully FLASH Temporary, caused by large surf build up TRAVELLING Propelled along the beach by strong “side sweeps” or “littoral currents” 6

7. VER 4.0 061009 Escaping from Rip Currents People drown in rips because of panic, fatigue and/or lack of swimming ability. A rescue response is required 7

8. VER 4.0 061009 Escaping from Rip Currents (cont) If caught in a rip: Do not panic Ride the rip out from the beach Swim parallel to the shore 30- 40 metres in direction of ocean current Return to shore when conditions allow If you cannot escape rip: Signal for assistance Conserve energy, float on your back Remember sand bars usually form on the sides of rips. If tired, probe with your feet 8

9. VER 4.0 061009 Inshore Currents & Holes Littoral current (side sweep) Range from fast flowing to barely detectable May feed into rips and take weaker swimmers out to sea Inshore holes Are a problem for unsuspecting bathers, particularly small children. 9 Dropping tides will increase the current strength and speed

10. VER 4.0 061009 Beach Types and Hazard Ratings Five different types Change from one type to another within a few hours The Australian Beach Safety and Management Program (ABSAMP) provides a data on most beaches around Australia Visit: www.slsa.com.au/ Admin & Resources/Coastsafe or www.coastsafe.org.auwww.slsa.com.au/ Admin 10

11. VER 4.0 061009 Beach Types and Hazard Ratings 11

12. VER 4.0 061009 Beach Types and Hazard Ratings (cont) 12

13. VER 4.0 061009 Other Prevailing Weather Considerations Wind and Cloud The sky gives clear indications as to changing weather conditions. Lifesavers should be aware of the weather forecast affecting their local area Tides 2 high tides in a 24 hr period Tidal movement will vary from small to about 7 metres (parts of northern Aust) 13 Strong wind approaching Storm front Follow lightening policy 30/30 rule

14. VER 4.0 061009 Self-Survival Skills Self survival skills are an important way of minimising danger to the lifesaver. These skills include: Your use of rescue equipment Floating Treading water Releases & escapes Front release Rear release Dealing with a patient in difficulty 14

15. VER 4.0 061009 Self-Survival Skills 15 FloatingTreading water Always try to take rescue equipment to a patient in difficulty

16. VER 4.0 061009 Self-Survival Skills 16 Any person in fear of drowning will not want to go under the water…. This is your key to escape

17. VER 4.0 061009 Surf Skills Before entry, Study the conditions: Rips, lulls, landmarks. Entering shallow water 17

18. VER 4.0 061009 Surf Skills(cont) 18 Medium to large surf

19. VER 4.0 061009 Surf Skills(cont) Bodysurfing 19

20. VER 4.0 061009 Rescue Board Skills Before entry: Examine the craft and study the conditions 20

21. VER 4.0 061009 Rescue Board Skills Negotiating the Surf Zone 3 Techniques Small wave: Paddle through with speed Lift your upper body off the board Medium wave: Popping the wave Large wave: Rollover technique 21

22. VER 4.0 061009 Thank You